On August 30, 1958, John Louis Bookard, Jr. was born in Jamaica Hospital in Queens, New York to the late John, Sr. and Isabell Bookard; he entered eternal peace on July 27, 2026, in Orangeburg, South Carolina. John, affectionally know as Johnny, grew up in a loving household with his parents, older brother Ronald, younger brother Reginald and doting grandmother Ella Mae Shuler. John’s keen curiosity was sparked and nurtured by Isabell, a loving Aunt Eartha Lee, a supportive Grace United Methodist Church community and dozens of neighborhood friends known as Alley Cats. John was educated in the New York City Public School System; following H.S. he served in the U.S. Army and later earned an associate degree from Orangeburg Technical College and a bachelor’s degree from South Carolina State College (SCSC). During and after his student years at SCSC he hosted a radio show featuring Jazz, sports and political commentary. In addition, he obtained Continued Education certifications in Social Work from the University of California, L.A. (UCLA). 

Living in a home of faithful parents Johnny accepted Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior at an early age and completed confirmation class at Grace United Methodist Church. This experience served as an anchor and remained a compass for the remainder of his life. At Grace Church John participated in little league baseball, Boy Scouts and Methodist Youth Fellowship (MYF). In 1975 John became a member of the Order of the Feather Fraternity, in Harlem U.S.A., who’s core principals are Honor, Honesty, Courage, Purity and Thrift.

In the early 1990’s, following a relocation to S.C., John began his Social Work career at a United Methodist Residential Home for young men. This experience ignited his passion for service to the disenfranchised and launched a long-term Social Service career which spanned nearly 30 years and opportunities in California, Washington D.C. and final stop at The Samaritan House in Orangeburg, S.C.

John’s varied passions include music, photography, reading, culinary exploration, politics, sports (Knicks, Giants, Yanks), his Fraternity, Alley Cat Friends and unyielding Love of Family!                   John is preceded in death by his parents, doting grandmother, Stepmother Thelma and bonus brother Jerome Geathers. He leaves a legacy of loved ones to cherish his memory: Aunt Eartha Lee Barrow, Ronald (Valarie), Reginald (Karen), Bonus sister-in-law Martha, Bonus sister Jacqueline (Franklin), and longtime partner Andrea Echt; Nephews/Nieces: Jamaal, Shaloe, Jamel, Adrian, Jordan (Giovanna), Jason (Tyeisha), Matthew (L’Orelle), Hollisa, Daniel, Franklin, Jr.; grand-nieces/nephews: Payton, Gabriel, Hannah, Jordan, Morgan, Ellington, Emery Belle, Maverick; extended family: Alley Cats, Order of Feather Fraternity Brothers, colleagues and host of friends.

The service will proceed as follows: 

The viewing will be held on Saturday, August 8, 2026 at Glover's Funeral Home from 11:00 a.m. until 12:00 noon.

The funeral will be held on Saturday, August 8, 2026 at Glover's Funeral Home beginning at 12:00 noon.